The exams required to study in USA usually include English Language Proficiency Tests like IELTS, TOEFL, DET and an Academic Aptitude Test.  

Other required exams in USA depend on which course you are applying for, like if it’s a bachelor’s program, you may need exams such as the SAT or ACT, while for postgraduate courses, exams like GRE or GMAT are often considered. 

In the sections that follow, you will get a complete category and course-wise list of exams required to study in USA in 2026. You will also get a glimpse of how to choose the right exam to study in USA, and the common mistakes students make while selecting the exams. 

List of Major Exams Required to Study in USA 

Before getting into course-wise or category-wise details, let us look at the major exams you’re likely to come across while planning to study in USA. 

Some of these are almost standard for international students, while others depend on what and where you’re applying. 

Here is the complete list of exams required to study in USA in 2026:  

As you can see, the exams are grouped based on what you plan to study and at which level. In the next section, we will look at how these requirements change depending on the course you plan to apply for. 

Exams Required to Study in USA by Course 

The exams you need are not the same for every student; it largely depends on what you plan to study.  

A student applying for a bachelor’s degree will have a very different set of requirements compared to someone going for a master’s or an MBA. 

In the section below, let us find the right exam for you as per the course you wish to pursue. 

Exams Required to Study in USA After 12th  

If you're planning to study in USA after completing your 12th, the focus is on evaluating your basic academic readiness and your ability to handle coursework in English. 

Here are the exams required to study in USA after 12th:  

English Language Requirements:  

Most universities require a proof that you can study in English. This is usually done through tests like IELTS, TOEFL, PTE, or the Duolingo English Test, depending on what the university accepts. 

Undergraduate Admission Tests:  

Admission tests are used to understand how prepared you are for college-level academics. 

• SAT: A commonly accepted test that looks at your math, reading, and writing skills and gives universities a general idea of your academic level 

• ACT: Similar to the SAT, but it also includes a science section, which some students find gives a more balanced assessment of their abilities 

You usually only need to take one English proficiency test and, if required, one academic test like the SAT or ACT, depending on the university you are planning to study in. 

Exams Required to Study in USA for MS Programs 

If you’re applying for a master’s program in USA, the focus aligns more toward your academic background and your ability to handle advanced course curriculum. 

Here are the exams required to study in USA for MS program:  

English Language Requirements:    

Similar to undergraduate applications, you’ll still need to show that you can study in English. Most universities accept tests like IELTS, TOEFL, PTE, or Duolingo, and you can usually choose any one of them. 

Graduate Admission Tests: 

In addition to this, some universities may ask for a standardized exam to better understand your academic and analytical abilities. 

There are 2 graduate admission tests required in USA:  

• GRE: This is commonly accepted for MS programs, especially in fields like engineering, computer science, and data-related courses. 

• GMAT: While mainly used for MBA programs, some universities do accept it for certain business-related or management-oriented master’s courses. 

Note:  

For MBA programs, the exam expectations are slightly different. GMAT for MBA is more commonly required, although some universities also accept GRE as an alternative.  

Exams Required to Study in USA by Category 

Instead of looking at exams one by one, it is often easier to understand them based on their purpose.  

Most exams required to study in USA fall into a few clear categories, depending on whether they test your language skills, academic ability, or suitability for a specific profession. 

So, let us know about each category one by one. 

English Language Exams Required to Study in USA 

English Language Proficiency exams are required to show that you can study in English with ease, especially if it is not your first language.  

Universities want to be sure that you can follow lectures, complete assignments, and communicate clearly in an academic environment. 

To be able to pass this test, you may qualify one of the listed English Proficiency Tests as accepted by the university you are aiming for:  

• IELTS (International English Language Testing System): This exam is widely accepted by universities and checks your overall ability to read, write, listen, and speak in English in an academic setting. 

• TOEFL (Test of English as a Foreign Language): TOEFL focuses more on academic English and is commonly used to understand how well you can follow lectures and express your ideas clearly. 

• PTE Academic (Pearson Test of English): This is a computer-based test that evaluates all your English skills together and is preferred by some students because of its faster results. 

• DET (Duolingo English Test): This is a shorter, online test that can be taken from home and is now accepted by many universities as a flexible alternative. 

Standardized Exams Required to Study in USA 

Since students apply from different boards and countries, these tests help provide a common benchmark for comparison. 

You can choose from one of the exams listed below, depending on the university’s expectations:  

• GRE: For most universities, a score between 300–320 is considered decent, while top universities may expect 320+ for competitive programs. 

• GMAT: A score above 650 is generally seen as competitive, while top business schools often look for 700 or higher. 

• SAT: A score above 1200 is acceptable for many universities, but highly competitive colleges usually expect 1400 or above. 

• ACT: Scores between 25–30 are commonly acceptable, while top universities may expect scores closer to 30+. 

Entrance Exams Required for Professional Courses in USA 

Some exams are only needed if you’re planning to go into specific fields like medicine, law, or dentistry. 

These exams are not generic since they are devised for specific courses. 

Now, let us find out the exam required by you as per the professional courses you are aiming to pursue:  

• MCAT: If you’re planning to go into medicine, this is the main exam. Most good medical schools expect a score of around 500 or higher. 

• LSAT: This is required for law programs. A score above 150 is usually acceptable, but top law schools often expect something closer to 165. 

• DAT: For dental courses, a score between 19 and 21 is generally considered decent, although this can vary by university. 

• OAT: If you’re applying for optometry programs, a score around 300 is usually seen as a good range. 

How to Choose the Right Exams Required to Study in USA? 

There are multiple exams required to study in USA, but the good thing here is that you dont need to take all those.  

The exams you require to study in USA depend on the course and university you wish to study in. 

Here are some ways that can help you narrow down your efforts:  

• Start with your course: The exams required for undergraduate programs are different from those for master’s or professional courses, so your course choice should be your starting point. 

• Check university requirements: Each university can have slightly different expectations, so going through their official requirements will help you avoid unnecessary exams. 

• Choose one English test: You only need to take one English proficiency test, so pick the one that suits your comfort level instead of preparing for multiple options. 

• Pick the right entrance test: For programs that require GRE or GMAT, choose one based on your course and preference, as most universities accept either. 

Conclusion 

At first, the exams required to study in USA can seem like a long and confusing list. With names like GRE, GMAT, IELTS, and more being mentioned everywhere, it is easy to feel like you need to prepare for everything. But once you break it down based on your course and understand what each exam is meant for, the process becomes much clearer. 

In reality, you usually only need one English test and, if required, one relevant academic exam. The key is to focus on what applies to your course and target universities instead of following a generic path. With the right approach, the process becomes much simpler and easier to manage. 

Have more doubts? Feel free to contact our expert counsellors for further guidance!